1.5.18

What to Do if Exposed to Asbestos

Prevention is essential, but so many accidental exposures occur every
day. Awareness and education can help those exposed already stay on top
of any potential health problems and get the medical help they need
sooner rather than later.Have an ongoing dialogue with your doctor. Even if
you show no symptoms yet or never experience any, it’s better to explain
your past exposure to your doctors and bring it up regularly. Though
most primary physicians may not be well-versed in asbestos diseases,
they can help monitor your health and make recommendations for any
necessary tests, like chest x-rays, to get to the root of any changes in
your health.
As mentioned before, monitor your symptoms. Even if
you feel like you have a common cold with a lingering cough or tightness
in the chest, it’s better to be extra precautions than ignore any
health issues. Remember, symptoms of mesothelioma and other
asbestos-related diseases may first appear rather mild and generic, and
take a long time before they may present.Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Though many factors in
how these diseases may develop are beyond our control, like age and
gender, we all can be proactive in taking care of our overall health.
Better health can lead to a better prognosis, as those patients are more
likely to be able to withstand any aggressive treatments.
Until asbestos is banned and removed, we all must remain proactive in
our health and raise awareness to prevent future exposures.